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Rychel scores twice, Canada beats Sweden in junior exhibition game

LAKE PLACID, NY - AUGUST 08: Connor McDavid #17 of Team Canada celebrates his powerplay goal at 4:11 of the second period against Team Sweden during the 2013 USA Hockey Junior Evaluation Camp at the Lake Placid Olympic Center on August 8, 2013 in Lake Placid, New York. Photo: (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Canada scored three times in the span of a minute early in the second period to take a 4-0 lead. But Sweden stormed back with three goals to make it a one-goal game heading into the second intermission.

Frederik Gauthier gave Canada the momentum back with a goal 2:15 into the third period and Canada cruised to victory from there.

“We knew that Sweden would battle back. I was 100 per cent sure,” said Canadian goaltender Zachary Fucale, who picked up the win. “During the second intermission we talked it over and made some little adjustments, and I think we responded very well in the third period.”

Gauthier’s goal early in the third took some of the pressure off Fucale.

“It’s always good to have an early goal in a period, especially in that situation,” Fucale said.

Canada is now 2-0 at its summer junior camp after defeating Finland 5-3 on Wednesday.

Canada finishes its camp with a game against the United States on Saturday.

Fucale doesn’t see Canada changing its game plan too much against the archrival Americans.

“In the past I think there have been some spectacular games that have been played between both countries,” Fucale said. “In the end you make sure you just keep going and playing your game and make sure you give your best effort as a team no matter the opponent. We’ve got to keep going the Canadian way.”